Trey Murphy III Draws Trade Interest From Warriors and Spurs, but Pelicans Stand Firm
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NEW ORLEANS — The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have each inquired about acquiring veteran wing Trey Murphy III, but the New Orleans Pelicans have shown no willingness to discuss a deal, league sources told Basketball Insiders.
Warriors Made Recent Overtures
Golden State contacted New Orleans as recently as this summer, according to NBA reporter Jake Fischer. The Warriors are reportedly high on the 25-year-old forward yet have rebuffed any sign-and-trade concepts that would cost them sharpshooters Moses Moody or Buddy Hield.
The franchise’s immediate priority remains resolving a contract standoff with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State has offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million pact, but the 22-year-old is currently leaning toward accepting his $7.9 million qualifying offer. Free agents Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are waiting on Kuminga’s decision before finalizing potential agreements with the Warriors, sources said.
Spurs Also Register Interest
San Antonio has likewise expressed interest in Murphy, viewing his size, athleticism and outside shooting as a complement to guards De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and versatile forward Jeremy Sochan. Murphy’s defensive versatility is also considered an asset for the Spurs’ young roster.
Contract Makes Murphy a Valuable Asset
Murphy begins a four-year, $112 million extension this season, per Spotrac. His salary is set at $25 million in 2025-26, climbs to $29 million in 2027-28 and reaches $31 million in 2028-29. The favorable structure and the forward’s on-court production have made New Orleans reluctant to engage in trade discussions.
Career-Best Season in 2023-24
In 53 games (51 starts) last season, the Virginia product posted career highs of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 45.4% from the floor and 36.1% on three-pointers over 35 minutes per game.
New Orleans continues to build around Murphy and former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson. Executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in June that Williamson “is going to continue to be a focal point” for the franchise despite the forward’s injury history.
For now, the Pelicans’ stance on Murphy remains unchanged, leaving both Golden State and San Antonio to monitor the situation should New Orleans’ position shift.
Source: Basketball Insiders
